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Breed Characteristics
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Field Spaniel
| Nicknames | Field |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | 35 - 50 lbs. (16 - 22.5 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Average 18 in. (46 cm) |
| Coat | The single-layer coat is flat or slightly wavy and is of medium length with feathering on the chest, underside, back of the legs, buttocks, and may be on the second thigh and bottom of the tail. |
| Colour | Coat colours come in black and various shades of liver, with or without tan markings or roan (speckles). There may be a little white on the chest. |
| Litter Size | 4 - 8 puppies, average 6 |
| Life Span | 10 - 12 years |
| Origin & History | The Field Spaniel was originally developed for the show ring by competitors who were attempting to develop an all-black Spaniel. Some of the breeding methods of those early developers were criticised; one of the first breeders of the Field Spaniel, Thomas Jacobs, said of the origin; "Much has been written and said on the purity of the breed; deprecating the means I have adopted to produce them as calculated to alter a presumed type, and frequent missiles have at me and my dogs from behind the hedge. But where is the pure bred black spaniel we hear so much about? Proof of the existence of the pure bred one (if there ever was one!) has not been forthcoming. Like most sporting dogs, they are the result of different crosses." They were unpopular with sportsmen as the dark colours of the breed did not show up in hunting conditions, and the elongated and short shape of the early breed was not very practical for moving easily through cover. The low-slung variety of Field Spaniel were developed by Phineas Bullock from dogs previously owned by Sir Francis Burdett, the secretary of the Birmingham Dog Show. Burdett was said to have owned a variety of black Cocker Spaniels. Bullock crossed the Field Spaniel with the Sussex Spaniel and the English Water Spaniel. In the 1870s he was very successful in the show ring with his variety of Field Spaniel; however, it resulted in a dog that was almost exactly like a Sussex Spaniel with the exception of the head itself. The dog who is considered to be the father of the modern English Cocker Spaniel is Ch. Obo, who was born in 1879 to a Sussex Spaniel father and a Field Spaniel mother. Obo's son Ch. Obo II is considered to be the father of the modern American Cocker Spaniel, who was described as being only ten inches high with quite a long body. By 1909, the average weight of a Field Spaniel was 35–45 pounds (16–20 kg). Further mixing of the breed occurred with elements of the Basset Hound introduced. Various genetic health issues arose and action was taken in order to correct the problems within the breed. English Springer Spaniels were used to introduce healthier elements into the breed and resulted in the longer legged spaniel that we know today. Most of the modern breed can be traced to four dogs from the 1950s; Colombina of Teffont, Elmbury Morwena of Rhiwlas, Gormac Teal, and Ronayne Regal. The Field Spaniel remains a rare breed, even in the UK. In 2009, a total of 51 dogs were registered with The Kennel Club and has been in steady decline since 2000. Out of all the Spaniel breeds registered with The Kennel Club, the Field Spaniel has the lowest numbered registered year on year, with only the Sussex Spaniel coming a close second with 60 registrations in 2009. This is compared to the English Springer Spaniel with 12,700 and the English Cocker Spaniel with 22,211 registrations in 2009 alone. In order to promote the breed, they have been registered as a Vulnerable Native Breed by The Kennel Club. |
| Personality | Field Spaniels are active, robust hunting dogs that have very pleasing temperaments. They are very independent in nature, but easygoing, charming, affectionate, intelligent and playful. They make an excellent family member as long as they are given regular exercise and leadership. They are especially known for their docile nature. Socialize this breed well and be its strong, calm, confident pack leader to avoid timidity, reservations with strangers, and problems with other dogs. Very friendly, this breed loves everyone. Field Spaniels like to roam. They are good with other dogs, animals and excellent with children, but tend not to like super rough play. If they sense their owners are meek or passive they can become a bit stubborn and temperamental. Field Spaniels are happiest when they have a job to do. They are quick to learn and react very strongly to your voice. They should be trained with a kind but consistent manner. This dog has a sensitive nature and harsh words and a tough approach will greatly disturb it. These dogs need regular contact with people and become extremely neurotic if locked away in a kennel. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. |
| Grooming | The Field Spaniel should be brushed and combed once or twice a week. Straggling hair should be scissored every few months. The ears should be kept clean. For show dogs, you usually need to visit a professional groomer about four times a year. Dead hair is removed by plucking; hair on the ears, legs, and neck is also thinned out. |
| Exercise | The Field Spaniel is primarily a working field dog which means that it really needs lots of exercise, and a sporty family suits it best. It will be happiest when given a chance to run and explore. But be aware that the Field Spaniel likes to follow its nose. It will however, adapt effortlessly to the family situation. Its needs can be met with daily long walks on a leash where the dog is made to walk beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
| Other Considerations | The Field Spaniel is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Because these dogs do have deeply rooted hunting instincts, it is essential to have a good fence surrounding your property, as otherwise they are likely to take off after any interesting scent. Do not lock this breed away in a kennel or it will become extremely neurotic. This breed prefers cool climates. |
